. Pulpa
55’-0” x 55’-0” x 83’-0”
gestation period:: 60 months
Manhattan, NY
weather equalizer
snow production machine
store water > convert to snow > analyze heat > activate snow canon > adjust storage levels > deliver snow
pipe exploratorium
Born into Manhattan, New York, Pulpa is a weather equalizer. He is interested in keeping the temperature equal in its designated region. Pulpa is constantly collecting and storing water in any state possible. Its ideal climate is the cold snowy climate and therefore its internal pipes are the perfect snow and water collection systems. The small feeder tubes collect, circulate, and move water throughout Pulpa’s organs and the larger storage tubes store the snow. Pulpa constantly measures the climate in its surveillance region and as soon as the temperatures start to rise throughout Manhattan, the snow canon is activated. The snow is then delivered to the areas in need by shooting oversized snowballs to that area.
Pulpa can only be entered through the adjacent buildings. The entrances are not difficult to find however the ceremonial procession through the surrounding buildings acts as a buffer zone, preparing the user for the experience. The unexpected is waiting to happen. The non program spaces allow the user to adjust and find a space suitable to their needs. The constant environmental affects on Pulpa not only increase environmental awareness but they also encourage unexpected social interactions. If you ever get stuck in a storage tube while playing with the snow, feel free to recruit additional human weight to free yourself!
Pulpa sits mysteriously in the Manhattan skyline. Despite its alien appearance, its familiar humor is incredibly inviting. The vista tube punches through framing the ocean views on both sides. If you happen to take the cloud tube to the top, take a moment to unwind. The visual oneness and the acoustical isolation from the city can be intimidating, but it may be just what you need to release your stress. It also may allow you to appreciate the constant white noise of the city.
The storage tubes are designed to provide visual feedback on snow weights. As they start filling up, the bottom platform opens up and drops the excess snow towards the bottom funnel into the snow canon. This constantly repositions the interior proximities and affects the paths that connect the various internal parts to each other. You can never get used to where everything is located throughout Pulpa. The positioning of the water tube bridges and slides is also constantly changing based on the water flow direction. This allows for spontaneous movements through the interior tube system. Lastly, the sound translators translate all sound, from the traffic to the rain and whatever happens in the lobby, into the program spaces, resulting in a confusing state of collision between the traditional public and private boundaries.
It is normal to fall in love with a Stranj(er). Luckily Pulpa allows for permanent residency. You can always clog a tube and clear the snow out. Appreciate what the previous occupants have left and enjoy meeting your constantly evolving neighbors. Embrace the unfamiliar. Be happy, be nice, do not get intimidated. Be adventurous, explore.
